Machu Picchu 2050
Machu Picchu 2050 is a part of the 2050 Series, which aims to explore the impact of embracing sound environmental research on famous landscapes thirty years from now. Over the past couple of years, I have performed environmental research using an enzyme called methane monoxygenase (MMO) which catalyzes the breakdown of methane. I tested the enzyme on an artificial cow rumen that I constructed using kimchi and cow cud and noted a 70% reduction in methane levels. The concept of the cow and our reliance of beef as a food source that contributes to global warming is the central concept of this series.
Throughout the piece there are silhouettes of cows placed throughout the sprawling landscape, which might conceptually act, in the future, to serve as functioning carbon sinks. The vibrant colours in the sky symbolizes the different pockets of methane at various altitudes that the enzyme is aiming to reduce. Executed in early 2021, Machu Picchu 2050 is the first in a series that will explore my interests and environmental research finding from the perspective of being an artist.
Throughout the piece there are silhouettes of cows placed throughout the sprawling landscape, which might conceptually act, in the future, to serve as functioning carbon sinks. The vibrant colours in the sky symbolizes the different pockets of methane at various altitudes that the enzyme is aiming to reduce. Executed in early 2021, Machu Picchu 2050 is the first in a series that will explore my interests and environmental research finding from the perspective of being an artist.